By decision of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nikos Dendias, Minister Plenipotentiary Efthymios-Georgios Costopoulos was appointed Ministry of Foreign Affairs Special Envoy for Sahel issues. This decision underscores the importance Greece attaches to this region, with regards to fighting terrorism as well as to responding to illegal migration. Just a few days ago, Efthymios Costopoulos presented his credentials as the first Greek Ambassador to Senegal, based in Dakar. The opening of the Embassy in Dakar is a highly symbolic move in the context of development of relations with the countries of West Africa and with Francophonie in general.